Definition

What is chronic daily headache?

Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you may be experiencing chronic daily headaches.

The incessant nature of chronic daily headaches makes them among the most disabling headaches. Aggressive initial treatment and steady, long-term management may reduce pain and lead to fewer headaches.

How common is chronic daily headache?

Please discuss with your doctor for further information.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of chronic daily headache?

By definition, chronic daily headaches occur 15 days or more a month, for at least three months. True (primary) chronic daily headaches aren’t caused by another condition.

There are short-lasting and long-lasting chronic daily headaches. Long-lasting last more than four hours. They include:

If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

This type of headache usually develops in people who have an episodic headache disorder, usually migraine or tension-type, and take too much pain medication. If you’re taking pain medications — even over-the-counter analgesics — more than two days a week (or nine days a month), you’re at risk of developing rebound headaches.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is chronic daily headache diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely examine you for signs of illness, infection or neurological problems. He or she will ask about your headache history.

If the cause of your headaches remains uncertain, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to look for an underlying medical condition.

How is chronic daily headache treated?

Treatment for an underlying condition often stops frequent headaches. When no other condition is discerned, treatment focuses on preventing pain.

Prevention strategies vary, depending on the type of headache you have and whether medication overuse is contributing to these headaches. If you’re taking pain relievers more than three days a week, the first step may be to wean yourself off these drugs with your doctor’s guidance.

Tricyclic antidepressants — such as nortriptyline (Pamelor) — can be used to treat chronic headaches. These medications can also help treat the depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances that often accompany chronic daily headaches. Other antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, others), may help in treating depression and anxiety, but have not been shown to be more effective than placebo for headaches.

Beta blockers. These drugs, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, are also a mainstay for preventing episodic migraines. Some beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) and propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL).

Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — such as naproxen sodium (Anaprox, Naprelan) — may be helpful, especially if you’re withdrawing from other pain relievers. They may also be used periodically when the headache is more severe.

Botulinum toxin. OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections provide relief for some people and may be a viable option for people who don’t tolerate daily medication well.

Unfortunately, some chronic daily headaches remain resistant to all medications.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage chronic daily headache?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with chronic daily headache:

Take control. Commit yourself to living a full, satisfying life. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Take good care of yourself. Do things that lift your spirits.

Seek understanding. Don’t expect friends and loved ones to instinctively know what’s best for you. Ask for what you need, whether it’s time alone or less attention paid to your headaches.

Check out support groups. You may find it useful to talk to other people who have painful headaches.

Consider counseling. A counselor or therapist offers support and can help you manage stress. Your therapist can also help you understand the psychological effects of your headache pain. In addition, there’s evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce headache frequency and severity.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.